Can you clean your washing machine with vinegar?
Yes, you can clean your washing machine with vinegar, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
The most important thing is to use vinegar essence only and dilute it with enough water.
Vinegar is a popular home remedy that effectively dissolves limescale and bacteria. However, pure vinegar can also attack rubber seals and washing machine hoses.
Cleaning procedure with vinegar
- Run the washing machine empty: Ensure the washing machine is empty. Run it first at 90 degrees without any laundry.
- Add vinegar: Now add 200-300 ml of water with 6-8 teaspoons of vinegar essence into the detergent compartment.
- Start the washing program: Select a long washing program and let the machine run through. The hot vinegar steam dissolves limescale and bacteria in the machine.
- After the wash cycle: After the washing program, you can wipe the drum and seals with a damp cloth.
Clean the exterior of the washing machine: Alternatively, clean the outer areas of the washing machine with the vinegar-water mixture.
Alternative cleaning agents
Baking soda is another excellent home remedy to clean your washing machine. It neutralizes odors and removes dirt deposits.
You can add about 50 grams of baking soda to the detergent compartment and then run the washing machine at 90 degrees.
A little baking soda can also be beneficial when washing pillows.
Citric acid 🍋
Citric acid is a milder alternative to vinegar. It is gentler on the materials in the washing machine but also very effective against limescale.
Mix about 5-10 tablespoons of citric acid with water and add it to the detergent compartment. Then run the machine at a high temperature (40-60°).
Washing soda 🧴
Washing soda is a powerful agent for dissolving grease and dirt. It works particularly well against heavy soiling.
Use about 100 grams of washing soda and run the machine at a high temperature.
Dishwasher tablets
Dishwasher tablets are also a simple way to clean the washing machine
Add one or two tablets to the drum and run the machine at 90 degrees. They effectively dissolve grease and soap residues.
Germs are only killed at high temperatures
It is important to know that germs and bacteria are only reliably killed [1] at temperatures of at least 60-70 degrees.
To clean hygienically, you should therefore run your washing machine regularly at high temperatures.
This is also important when it comes to washing bed linens. But be careful when washing down pillows and down duvets!
These should be cleaned at lower temperatures.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning your washing machine
Clean the lint filter
You should clean the lint filter regularly, as lint and small foreign objects accumulate here.
Open the filter (usually found on the upper left of the washing machine), remove the dirt, and rinse it under running water.
Clean the rubber seals
Dirt and mold often accumulate in the rubber seals. Wipe the seals with a damp cloth and thoroughly remove all residues.
Quick tip: Deposits often collect in the folds, causing odors. With a gentle cleaner and a cloth, you can remove the dirt from the rubber.
Clean the detergent compartment
You should also clean the detergent compartment from time to time, as residues of detergent and fabric softener can accumulate here.
Remove the compartment and clean it thoroughly with warm water.
Clean the drum
You can either run the drum empty (at 90 degrees) or clean it using one of the methods described above (vinegar mixture, baking soda, citric acid, or dishwasher tablets).
Make the exterior shine
The exterior of your washing machine also needs care. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1x mild cleaner
- 1x damp cloth
And you’re ready to go! Clean the glass door, the washing machine door, and the seals, as well as the lid.
For hard-to-reach places, a toothbrush works well. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth to make it shine.
Our Sleep Hero tip: Leave the compartments of the washing machine slightly open after cleaning to allow the residual moisture to escape; otherwise, there’s a risk of mold [2]!
Why should you clean the washing mchine?
Regular cleaning prevents unpleasant odors and ensures that the machine lasts longer and works better.
The main causes of dirt and odor in the washing machine are residues of detergent and fabric softener, as well as mold formation due to moisture.
How often should you clean your washing machine?
Ideally, you should clean your washing machine once a month. With heavy use or frequent use of low washing temperatures, even more often.
Conclusion
Vinegar can be an effective and eco-friendly household remedy for cleaning your washing machine, but there are also alternatives that are gentler on the machine.
Choose the cleaning agent that best suits your needs and clean your washing machine regularly to extend its lifespan.
Frequently asked questions
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What to do if the washing machine smells despite cleaning?
If the washing machine still smells unpleasant after cleaning, check the lint filter and the rubber seals for any residues and clean them thoroughly.
There might also be a puddle inside the machine due to a faulty drain.
This can lead to bacteria build-up [3], causing the smell. You may need to have a professional inspect the machine
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Why shouldn't vinegar be used in the washing machine?
Vinegar can damage rubber seals and hoses. Therefore, vinegar essence should only be used sparingly and in targeted applications.
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What is the best way to clean a washing machine?
The best method for cleaning a washing machine depends on individual needs and usage. Baking soda, citric acid, washing soda, and dishwasher tablets are all effective alternatives to vinegar.
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Can I clean my shoes in the washing machine?
Yes, many shoes can be cleaned in the washing machine, but it's important to follow the manufacturer's care instructions.
Use a gentle wash cycle and place the shoes in a laundry bag to protect them.
Use mild detergent and avoid high temperatures to prevent damage to the material.
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Which program should be used to clean the washing machine?
To clean the washing machine, a high-temperature program (at least 60 degrees Celsius) should be used.
Many machines have a specific cleaning program ideal for this task.
If not, a regular cotton program at a high temperature can also be used.
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How can I clean the washing machine filter?
The washing machine filter should be cleaned regularly to avoid clogs and odors.
Open the filter (usually located at the front of the machine), remove any debris like lint and coins, and rinse it under running water.
Make sure to clean the area around the filter before putting it back.
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How long should the washing machine be cleaned?
A complete cleaning process can take about 1-2 hours, depending on the method, including cleaning the lint filter, rubber seals, and running a cleaning cycle with detergent.
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References
- 1 https://books.google.de/books?hl=de&lr=&id=vcrrcaaaqbaj&oi=fnd&pg=pr10&dq=bacteria&ots=ig4dwb2-wz&sig=rviopubj-u6tumsb7onjf5_0s5m#v=onepage&q=bacteria&f=false
- 2 https://d1wqtxts1xzle7.cloudfront.net/46422789/risk_factors_for_mold_in_housing_a_natio20160612-18699-1mi4h4-libre.pdf?1465761509=&response-content-disposition=inline%3b+filename%3drisk_factors_for_mold_in_housing_a_natio.pdf&expires=1723660630&signature=ei83qdumjlngpc2pl~zuvqvhxka~r1hpmxuiutrner6ocke-xhdojpie6kwtammk1t-4jjzfkcznoqu1twbqzokyp4cpuuragn9pnf-rgcbjkcyji00pody1xfjxjttc-bbiwppu-lfnavtj0ardszjmugfp7p8qhnrqgtxh9bsnlqsqojzwfehhf7ab-mhtk1yo9adrbefhmj9n-f-d6jqsjz44ckjyyvxudlewrkz3gnbhvscmjegvfgezqwqt~~5ka-8e3jarfy-1cyyoaqpvwvcvvaacagaxm33w~-fdxngi4skp8kzrrrdql1wllssznbecfq0y1zbamd9bog__&key-pair-id=apkajlohf5ggslrbv4za
- 3 Frontiers | Bacterial Exchange in Household Washing Machines
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